Assessing speech and language therapies for stroke patients

After a stroke many people have difficulty speaking and understanding what others say, a condition called dysphasia. Some of them find it difficult to hear the difference between similar-sounding words, such as ‘cat’ and ‘cap’, which can result in misunderstandings.

Speech and Language Therapists can carry out therapy to improve the ability to hear differences between similar-sounding words. Little research has been carried out to show whether this approach actually improves comprehension. Some research shows that dysphasic listeners use context and meaning to help them recognise spoken words, and therapy aiming to improve the use of this strategy has not been researched.

This project will examine these two therapy approaches to see whether either improves comprehension of speech. Twenty individuals will receive both types, and be tested before and after each therapy. The results will help therapists choose the most effective treatment.

Scientific Title: The effects of phoneme discrimination and semantic therapies for speech perception deficits in aphasia

With thanks to The Jean Coughborugh Charitable Trust for supporting this award.

Classification:
Rehabilitation, Quality of life

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